Four in a Bed

Earlier this year we made the decision to apply to feature on Channel 4s programme Four In A Bed where four contestants compete to be the best value for money for bed and breakfast accommodation.

After some screen tests we were accepted and Tall John’s House joined as a contestant in May 2017.

We packed our bags and set off for the lovely spa town of Harrogate in Yorkshire. We found ourselves at The White Hart Hotel, which is really comfortable, smart and perfectly situated for all the amenities of Harrogate. We were hosted by Clarkie, whose signature is marvellously coloured shirts, and his colleague Katy who is known as the Harrogate Hurricane! They are really fun people and were determined to enjoy the competition and also made it good fun for the rest of us. Superb weather, walking with llamas and lots of laughs later we left The White Hart determined to return.

Next up was Blackpool which couldn’t have been more different! Harrogate – refined, elegant, historic spa town and Blackpool – seaside, hen and stag parties, amusement arcades. The New Promenade caters for guests with a much lower budget but Raouf watches over everything and makes sure it all runs smoothly. It’s a stone’s throw from the amusement arcades and the sea front. More lovely weather, lovely smiles from Raouf’s friend Chrissie and a ride on an old Blackpool tram!

Goodbye to the seaside and we were off to the dreaming spires of Oxford and The Terrace where Vicky keeps a charming little house full of pretty and interesting things and with a gorgeous garden. Punting on the river is a must but the weather was not as kind as our lovely hostess.

Unfortunately Tall John’s House was not blessed with good weather for the arrival day but the next morning out came the sun and Wales was looking its very best to help us get good results. We had been very nervous of being shown up by more experienced hosts but everyone was charming and appreciative.

We were really thrilled to win on the final day. The competition was between such diverse types of accommodation that no-one really lost as it is a question of taste and budget. Nonetheless we were really pleased to be considered the best value for money and especially by such knowledgeable accommodation owners.

The team on Four in A Bed are so friendly, warm and helpful that we were sad to say goodbye to them. How frustrating it must have been to get us all to be quiet or to arrive on time – but it never showed! We thoroughly recommend appearing on the programme – it was brilliant for our business but we also had new experiences, saw some different places and made some new friends.

You can still see it on 4 OD and look for episodes 11-15 to see it all!